It was my understanding that it was never really approved. The pre-production sample they gave to the ATF for review broke during testing. The letter the ATF sent him stated that it appears not to violate the law, but it would be subject to review at a later date. Well, they later got a working copy that didn't fall apart.. .then it was determined to be a machine-gun.

It wasn't a total surprise. I think the ATF decision is BS and that it's totally legal, but the mfg of that device isn't exactly in the clear either. He really should have got approval for a WORKING device... not approval for something that "in THEORY, wouldn't be a machine-gun"

I'll have to stay with what I've heard in person, from the man himself, and a good friend of mine (who introduced me to Bill).

Not good with "legalese", but have to wonder why the broken parts were reported on the SKS prototype when the 10/22 was the first to be approved.
Don't have any links, but it wouldn't be the first time I've heard or read that those fun loving ATF boys have broken a firearm, or part thereof, then rebuilt it to do just what THEY want to see it do.